Flexible handle for a dumbbell weight

ABSTRACT

A flexible handle for a dumbbell weight may include a strap having a first section and a second section. A first end of the strap may attach to a second end of the strap. A spacer rod may be placed within a spacer pocket created by the attachment of the first end of the strap and the second end of the strap within the first section of the strap. A second strap may attach to the second section of the strap. A handle rod may be placed within a handle rod pocket between the second strap and the strap.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to weights and, more particularly, to a flexible handle for a dumbbell weight.

Currently, there are only rigid mechanical attachments available. The rigidity of these devices limits the uses and portability of the weights as well as adding additional weight to the full unit. These large rigid connecting handles are bulky and heavy, which increases the amount of strength required to safely support the weights. These bulky handles also require complex clamps to safely attach them to the exercise weights. These clamps and other such fixtures can become loose, which may cause injury or damage.

As can be seen, there is a need for a flexible handle for a dumbbell weight that may provide for an improved grip in a vertical position above the center of gravity of the weight and may allow for a greater range of exercises using the weight.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect of the present invention, a flexible handle for a dumbbell weight comprises: a strap having a first section and a second section, wherein the strap has a first end attached to a second end; a spacer rod placed within a spacer pocket created by the attachment of the first end of the strap and the second end of the strap, wherein the spacer pocket is positioned within the first section of the strap; a second strap attached to the second section of the strap; and a handle rod placed within a handle rod pocket between the second strap and the strap.

In another aspect of the present invention, a method for preparing for kettle bell exercises with a dumbbell comprises: cradling a dumbbell bar with a flexible handle, wherein the flexible handle is defined as a strap having a first section and a second section, wherein the strap has a first end attached to a second end; a spacer rod placed within a spacer pocket created by the attachment of the first end of the strap and the second end of the strap, wherein the spacer pocket is positioned within the first section of the strap; a second strap attached to the second section of the strap; and a handle rod placed within a handle rod pocket between the second strap and the strap; moving the first section of the strap around the dumbbell bar and past where the second section of the strap is positioned; and pulling the second section of the strap upward through the strap area, wherein the pulling of the second section cinches the first section of the strap around the dumbbell bar.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following drawings, description and claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, shown in use;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 3 is a section view off an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 3-3 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a section view off an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, taken along line 4-4 in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the beginning placement of the handle onto the dumbbell bar;

FIG. 6 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the wrapping of the handle onto the dumbbell bar; and

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, illustrating the closure of the handle onto the dumbbell bar.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The following detailed description is of the best currently contemplated modes of carrying out exemplary embodiments of the invention. The description is not to be taken in a limiting sense, but is made merely for the purpose of illustrating the general principles of the invention, since the scope of the invention is best defined by the appended claims.

Broadly, an embodiment of the present invention provides a flexible handle for a dumbbell weight that may include a strap having a first section and a second section. A first end of the strap may attach to a second end of the strap. A spacer rod may be placed within a spacer pocket created by the attachment of the first end of the strap and the second end of the strap within the first section of the strap. A second strap may attach to the second section of the strap. A handle rod may be placed within a handle rod pocket between the second strap and the strap.

As is illustrated in FIGS. 1 through 7, a flexible handle 10 for a dumbbell weight may include a strap 12. The strap 12 may have a first section and a second section. A first end of the strap 12 may attach to a second end of the strap 12. The first end of the strap 12 and the second end of the strap 12 may be stitched together with stitching 22 along the strap 12. A spacer rod 18 may be placed in a spacer pocket 26 between the first end and the second end of the strap 12 in the first section of the strap 12. The second section of the strap 12 may have a second strap 20 attached to the strap 12. A handle rod 16 may be positioned within a handle rod pocket 24. The handle rod pocket 24 may be between the second strap 20 and the strap 12.

In certain embodiments, a tube 14 may be attached to the second section of the strap 12 and around the handle rod pocket 24. The tube 14 may be made from a padded material. In certain embodiments, the strap 12 may be made from nylon or the like. In certain embodiments, the handle rod 16 and the spacer rod 18 may be solid nylon rods.

The flexible handle 10 may attach to a dumbbell bar 28 in a manner such that it may not come loose from the weight during use. This may be accomplished by cradling the dumbbell bar 28 with the first section of the strap 12 on one side and the second section of the strap 12 on the other side. The handle grip may be inserted through the space between the dumbbell bar 28 and the first section of the flexible handle 10. Once through the gap, the handle grip may be pulled up away from the weight and the spacer will be cinched down next to the handle for maximum stability. Lifting the weight with the device handle may serve to tighten the grip of the device on the dumbbell.

A method of making the flexible handle 10 may include the following. In certain embodiments, assembly of the device may involve cutting approximately 1½ inches of nylon into a strap 12 approximately thirty-three inches in length and a second strap 20 approximately eight inches length. A person may center the approximately eight inch second strap on the approximately thirty-three inch strap piece and sew along the edges of the length of the approximately eight inch piece. The handle rod 16 and the spacer rod 18 may be placed along the strap 12 within the spacer pocket 26 between the first end and the second end of the strap 12 in the first section of the strap 12 for the spacer rod 18 and for the handle rod 16, between the strap 12 and the second strap 20.

In certain embodiments, some cushion may be added to the dumbbell handle such as an approximately 4½ inches in length of foam tube 14 over the handle spacer pocket 26 in the second section of the strap 12.

The grip may be wide enough to use with one or both hands and may allow the user to perform more dynamic and aerobic exercises, similar to those performed using kettle bells. Because the flexible handle 10 may be made using lightweight, high tensile strength materials, the flexible handle 10 may safely handle the weight loads created during these activities and yet be extremely portable and add virtually no additional weight to the dumbbell. The method of attachment makes the flexible handle 10 fast and easy to install and remove, to allow changing weights with minimal delays.

In certain embodiments, the flexible handle 10 may be attached to any smooth tubular structure similar to a dumbbell handle to provide a lifting hand grip. In certain embodiments, two or more flexible handles 10 may be attached to an item to provide a hand grip to a longer item such as a bar bell or the like.

A method of using the flexible handle 10 may include the following. A user 30 may place the flexible handle 10 in a cradling position around a dumbbell bar 28. The user 30 may place a dumbbell above the flexible handle 10. The first section of the strap 12 may be moved around the dumbbell bar 28 and past where the second section of the strap 12 may be positioned. The second section of the strap 12 may then be pulled upward through the strap area which may, in turn, pull the first section of the strap 12 in towards the dumbbell bar 28, cinching the first section of the strap 12 around the dumbbell bar 28. This process for removably securing the flexible handle 10 around dumbbell bar 28 allows for the secure use of the flexible handle 10 with dumbbell movement while the weight may be in use. The flexible handle 10 may be removed once the bar is stationary and a user may then loosen the cinched section and remove the flexible handle 10 when not in use.

It should be understood, of course, that the foregoing relates to exemplary embodiments of the invention and that modifications may be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as set forth in the following claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A flexible handle for a dumbbell weight comprising: a strap having a first section and a second section, wherein the strap has a first end attached to a second end; a spacer rod placed within a spacer pocket created by the attachment of the first end of the strap and the second end of the strap, wherein the spacer pocket is positioned within the first section of the strap; a second strap attached to the second section of the strap; and a handle rod placed within a handle rod pocket between the second strap and the strap.
 2. The flexible handle of claim 1, further comprising a tube positioned around the second section of the strap.
 3. The flexible handle of claim 2, wherein the tube is padded.
 4. The flexible handle of claim 1, wherein the strap is made from nylon.
 5. The flexible handle of claim 1, wherein the handle rod and the spacer rod are solid nylon rods.
 6. A method for preparing for kettle bell exercises with a dumbbell comprising: cradling a dumbbell bar with a flexible handle, wherein the flexible handle is defined as a strap having a first section and a second section, wherein the strap has a first end attached to a second end; a spacer rod placed within a spacer pocket created by the attachment of the first end of the strap and the second end of the strap, wherein the spacer pocket is positioned within the first section of the strap; a second strap attached to the second section of the strap; and a handle rod placed within a handle rod pocket between the second strap and the strap; moving the first section of the strap around the dumbbell bar and past where the second section of the strap is positioned; and pulling the second section of the strap upward through the strap area, wherein the pulling of the second section cinches the first section of the strap around the dumbbell bar.
 7. The method of claim 6, further comprising a tube positioned around the second section of the strap.
 8. The method of claim 7, wherein the tube is padded.
 9. The method of claim 6, wherein the strap is made from nylon.
 10. The method of claim 6, wherein the handle rod and the spacer rod are solid nylon rods. 